Battery terminal

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a lead acid battery including a housing having an exterior. The battery also includes a lead terminal extending through the housing to the exterior of the housing. A coating covers the lead terminal such that there is no exposed lead exterior to the housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.Non-provisional application Ser. No. 17/029,604 filed Sep. 23, 2020,entitled BATTERY TERMINAL, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,605,864, which claimspriority to and is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 16/293,364 filed Mar. 5, 2019, entitled BATTERY TERMINAL, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,811,667, which claims priority from and the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/638,665 filed Mar. 5, 2018,entitled BATTERY TERMINAL, the entire contents of each of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to batteries. The present disclosure morespecifically relates to batteries and external electrical connectionsfor batteries.

BACKGROUND

In batteries with multiple cell elements, the cells are connected inseries by conductive straps. The straps also connect the cells to apositive terminal and a negative terminal. These terminals areaccessible outside the battery housing. These terminals allow for avehicle (or other application) to connect to the battery for use. Theconductive straps and terminals comprise a conductive material.Typically, in a lead-acid battery, this conductive material is comprisedof lead.

Lead is a heavy metal and considered to be toxic. Any lead surfaceexposed to the environment is a potential source of contamination. Useof lead is therefore prohibited in many applications.

Known lead-acid batteries require interaction between a consumer ortechnician with the lead terminals in order to connect, change, orotherwise maintain the battery. Certain governmental bodies areadvancing tighter regulation of lead in lead-acid batteries. Forexample, the European Union and the State of California have exploredregulations about lead exposure as it relates to lead-acid batteries.For example, Department of Toxic Substances Control's (DTSC) inCalifornia is actively evaluating whether it should identify lead-acidbatteries as a Priority Product under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP)program. Of particular concern is the exposure of consumers to lead dustby inhalation and ingestion during consumer use and replacement.

SUMMARY

Therefore, various embodiments of solutions are disclosed which wouldallow for access to the functionality of the battery without requiring auser to interact with the lead. The present invention according tovarious embodiments relates to a lead acid battery having a positiveterminal and a negative terminal. The positive and negative terminalsmay be designed, according to various embodiments of the invention, tolimit exposure to lead provided in the terminal. In other words, thedisclosed invention may allow for exposed surfaces of the battery to befree of lead.

Providing a non-lead terminal interface may result in reduced consumerand environmental lead exposure. A system which may allow for no exposedlead on the battery could address concerns from governmental agencies aswell as reduce risks to consumers and those interacting with batteriesduring use and replacement.

Various embodiments may likewise provide advantages for corrosionresistance on the battery terminal. Over time, standard lead terminalsmay corrode based on interaction of the lead with vehicle components,conducting electricity, and environmental factors. Corrosion maynegatively impact battery performance. By allowing for a non-leadinterface, such corrosion may be reduced or even eliminated.

Disclosed is a battery having one or more battery terminals, in variousembodiments, which are coated in a conductive material that is not lead.Likewise disclosed is a battery having one or more battery terminals, invarious embodiments, including a bushing having an external surface thatis not lead. The disclosed battery, terminal, and method therefore allowfor electrical and mechanical attachment of connectors to a non-leadterminal surface of a battery. This may prevent or limit exposure tolead by consumers and technicians who work with a battery.

Disclosed is a battery having a battery housing and a positive andnegative terminal, the positive and negative terminal being accessiblethrough the battery housing; wherein the positive and negative terminalfurther comprise a non-lead conductive surface on both the positive andnegative terminal. Further disclosed is a battery wherein the non-leadconductive surface is a coating provided on the negative batteryterminal and the positive battery terminal, the negative batteryterminal and the positive battery terminal each comprising lead.

Further disclosed is a battery wherein the non-lead conductive surfaceis a coating provided on the sides of a bushing comprising lead. Furtherdisclosed is a battery wherein a top surface of the positive batteryterminal and negative battery terminal comprises a conductive coating.Further disclosed is a battery wherein the non-lead conductive surfaceis selected from a group comprising tin, zinc, brass, copper, stainlesssteel, nickel, and alloys thereof. Further disclosed is a batterywherein the non-lead conductive surface is an arc-sprayed conductivesurface comprising zinc or tin. Further disclosed is a battery whereinthe positive terminal or negative terminal comprises a bushing having aconcave depression. Further disclosed is a battery wherein the positiveterminal or negative terminal comprises a non-lead material filling theconcave depression. Further disclosed is a battery wherein the non-leadmaterial comprises an epoxy or resin.

Disclosed is a battery having a conductive terminal extending beyond asurface of a battery cover, the conductive terminal having an internalportion and an external surface, wherein the internal portion compriseslead and external surface comprises a non-lead conductive material.Further disclosed is a battery wherein the non-lead conductive surfaceis selected from a group comprising zinc, tin, brass, copper, stainlesssteel, nickel, and alloys thereof. Further disclosed is a batterywherein the non-lead conductive surface is an arc-sprayed surface.Further disclosed is a battery wherein the arc-sprayed surface compriseszinc or tin. Further disclosed is a battery wherein the terminalcomprises a bushing having a concave depression. Further disclosed is abattery wherein the positive terminal or negative terminal comprises anon-lead material filling the concave depression.

Disclosed is a method for producing a battery having a non-lead surfacecomprising coating a battery terminal with a non-lead coating. Furtherdisclosed is a method for producing a battery wherein coating a batteryterminal with a non-lead coating further comprises coating a bushingwith a non-lead coating and providing the bushing into a batteryhousing. Further disclosed is a method for producing a battery furthercomprising: sealing an exposed top surface of the battery terminal usinga further non-lead coating. Further disclosed is a method for producinga battery wherein coating a battery terminal with a non-lead coating isperformed using an arc-spraying process after post welding.

Disclosed is a lead acid battery including a housing having an exterior.The battery also includes a lead terminal extending through the housingto the exterior of the housing. A coating covers the lead terminal suchthat there is no exposed lead exterior to the housing.

These and other features and advantages of various embodiments ofsystems and methods according to this invention are described in, or areapparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplaryembodiments of various devices, structures, and/or methods according tothis invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a battery having two terminals, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 2A shows a section of a battery having a known bushing andterminal, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of a battery terminal after welding,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section of a battery terminal of the typedescribed herein before welding, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3B shows a cross-section of the battery terminal of FIG. 4A afterwelding, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3C shows a cross-section of the battery terminal of FIG. 4A aftertinning or coating, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4A shows a cross-section of a battery terminal of the typedescribed herein before welding, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-section of a battery terminal of the typedescribed herein before welding, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4C shows a cross-section of a battery terminal of the typedescribed herein before welding, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4D shows a cross-section of a battery terminal of the typedescribed herein after welding, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4E shows a cross-section of a battery terminal of the typedescribed herein after sealing, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5A shows a battery terminal having a conductive coating using asystem and method described herein, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5B shows a method for creating the terminal of FIG. 5A, accordingto various examples of embodiments.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary to theunderstanding to the invention or render other details difficult toperceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodimentsillustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are various embodiments of a battery, battery terminal, andmethod for manufacturing the same. The disclosed embodiments of abattery, battery terminal, and method may allow for access to theterminal and battery without exposure to lead on the surface of theterminal.

FIG. 1 shows a battery 101 having a housing 105. The housing 105 mayfurther comprise a surface 103 (for example, a cover or lid). Protrudingfrom the surface 103 can be seen two terminals 107. While terminals 107are generally specified, the terminals 107 may comprise a positiveterminal 109 or a negative terminal 111 (the phrase “terminal” may beused herein to describe a positive terminal 109, negative terminal 111or both unless otherwise particularly specified). While the cover 103 isshown on a top of the battery 101 with the terminals 107 protrudingtowards an upper edge of the page, it should be understood the cover 103and terminals 107 may be provided on any orientation, such as a side toallow access to terminals 107.

The various elements of the battery 101, the battery housing 105, thebattery cover 103, and the cell containers may be made of a wide varietyof known materials. For example, the cover 103, container/housing 105,and/or various components may be made of any polymeric (e.g.,polyethylene, polypropylene, a polypropylene containing material, etc.)or composite (e.g., glass-reinforced polymer) material. For example, thecontainer may be made of polypropylene-containing material (e.g., purepolypropylene, co-polymers comprising polypropylene, polypropylene withadditives, etc.). Such polymeric material is relatively resistant todegradation caused by acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) provided within cellsof the container or housing 105.

FIG. 2A shows an example of a section of a battery 101. The battery 101includes an internal portion 115 which may comprise a battery element102 coupled to an end strap 104 which leads to a terminal post 117. Theterminal post 117 extends through a bushing 119 provided within thecover 103 of the battery housing 105. This is one non-limiting exampleof a battery 101 which may be used with the devices (e.g. bushing, post,and/or cover), systems, and methods described herein.

FIG. 2B shows an example battery terminal 107 after welding. The figuremore specifically shows a cross-section of a battery terminal 107,according to various embodiments. The terminal post 117 is providedinside of the terminal bushing 119. Together (terminal post 117 andterminal bushing 119) they form a battery terminal 107 for connection toa battery 101 which protrudes through a surface or cover 103. Knownbattery terminals are constructed of lead. The disclosed terminal(terminal post and terminal bushing) likewise may be formed of lead,however, exposed surfaces of the terminal may be covered to preventexposure of the lead as described further herein.

The terminal posts 117, bushing 119, terminals 107, weld 120, andconnection members, may be made of one or more conductive materials(e.g., lead or a material containing lead). Likewise, the strap membersand end straps 104 may be made of one or more conductive materials(e.g., lead or a material containing lead).

The terminals 107 may be comprised, in various embodiments, of a leadalloy. In various embodiments, this alloy may be a substantially purelead and may, in various embodiments, include lead, tin, antimony,calcium, and combinations thereof. The alloy may, as a non-limitingexample, be a lead tin alloy with a tin composition range of 1-4%,1-2.25%, 1-1.5%, and the like. The lead may be virgin lead or highpurity lead or highly purified secondary lead, in various examples ofembodiments. In turn, in known battery terminals 107, an exposed surface125 may therefore as well be comprised of lead or lead alloy.

FIGS. 3A-5B comprise various embodiments of solutions for preventingexposure of lead on an outer surface of a battery 101. In variousembodiments, this may comprise covering all exposed surfaces 125 (forexample, an outside surface of the bushing 119 or terminal post 117provided exterior to the housing (for example, exterior to a surface ofthe cover 103 or housing 105). In one or more embodiments the disclosedmay comprise a conductive film coating (225, 325, 425) on an outersurface of the terminal (207, 307, 407) (that is, above a batteryhousing cover (203, 303, 403). In various embodiments, the disclosed maycomprise a relatively thin conductive film coating.

FIG. 3A shows a drawing of a terminal 207 before welding. As can beseen, a coating 225 is provided on the outside of the bushing 219. Thebushing 219 may have a conductive coating 225 which may comprisetin—while tin is provided other suitable conductive metal coatings(zinc, brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel, alloys, etc.) should becontemplated as within the scope of this disclosure. The coating 225 maybe provided before the bushing 219 is placed into the battery housingcover 203. In the illustrated example, the terminal post 217 extendsthrough the center of the bushing 219. It should be understood thebushing 219 is provided into a battery housing (for example, a cover203) and the terminal post 217 extends through the terminal bushing 219.

Next, the terminal 217 is welded to the bushing 219. In FIG. 3B, theterminal post 217 and terminal bushing 219 are shown after welding. Thewelding may be performed via a terminal post weld 220 which may use, invarious embodiments, lead or a lead alloy. The terminal post weld 220between the terminal post 217 and terminal bushing 219 can be seentowards the top in the illustrated example FIG. 3B. After welding, acable may be connected to the terminal for use of the battery.

As described further herein, before or after welding the bushing 219 mayhave or allow for being provided with a coating 225 on the sides of theterminal 207. In various embodiments, coating 225 is solely provided onan upper portion of the terminal 207. In various alternativeembodiments, coating 225 extends below a surface of the housing. Thecoating 225 on the bushing 219 below a surface of the housing mayadvantageously allow for ensuring no lead is exposed if a gap existsbetween the housing and bushing due to shrinkage. The coating 225 afterwelding may not be provided on a top surface 227 of the terminal 207.While the coating (e.g. tin or other conductive metal coating) 225 isprovided on almost all of the exposed portion of the terminal 207, thereis still a section of exposed lead at this stage (top surface 227). Asshown in FIG. 3C, providing a coating 225, prior to or after batteryformation, may allow for the coating 225 (for example, a thin film) tolikewise cover the top of the terminal 207. Therefore, the disclosedterminal 207 may undergo an additional step for preventing exposure oflead.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the exposed section 227 may be covered in a tin orother conductive coating as well. The terminal 207 is then showncompletely covered from external exposure to lead. In other words, thelead from bushing 219, terminal post 217, weld 220, etc. is encapsulatedor provided only within the battery housing 105.

Various further examples of embodiments are shown in FIGS. 4A-4E. First,in FIGS. 4A-4C, a terminal post 317 is shown provided into a terminalbushing 319. Again, the figures are shown before welding. In one or moreembodiments, the battery covers 303 are molded with the bushings 319coated (plated) on the outside surface 325.

The bushings 319 may, in various embodiments, be provided with a counterbore where the inner diameter narrows and fuses to the terminal post.For example, turning to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the terminal bushing 319 mayfurther comprise a concave depression 326 of uncoated lead. In variousembodiments, the concave depression 326 may take various shapes, forexample (but not limited to), an angled top (FIGS. 4B, 4D) 329 orstepped surface (FIG. 4C) 328. In various embodiments, the bushing iscountersunk and not counter bored to allow a continuous top surface(FIG. 4A) 331. A coating, for example made of tin, in variousembodiments, may be provided on the outside of the bushing (FIGS. 3A-3C,4A-4E).

Next, in FIG. 4D, the terminal post 317 and terminal bushing 319 arewelded (for example at terminal post weld 320). Again, while much of theterminal 307 is now coated in a non-lead surface 325, the top may stillhave exposed lead 327 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3D). The terminal bushing319 and terminal post 317 may be welded below the top surface 327 of theterminal bushing to leave a slight concave depression of exposed lead327 below the top of the bushing.

In FIG. 4E, the exposed lead 327 is covered using a sealant (or othersuitable material) in a sealing step which covers exposed lead 327 in acovering 329. For example, a sealant like epoxy or another material maybe provided to coat the top exposed lead 327. In various embodiments,the epoxy or other material coating 329 covers the exposed lead 327entirely. Where the exposed lead 327 comprises a depression, this maythen be filled with a material (as non-limiting examples, an epoxy resinor other polymer with suitable adhesion characteristics). This materialmay be set with UV light, heat, or another method to set the coating329.

The coating 329 on top of the terminal 327 may be applied before orafter battery formation. The coating 329 on the top of the terminal mayor may not be conducting.

FIGS. 5A-5B shows more examples of embodiments. FIG. 5A morespecifically shows the surface of the terminal 407 after welding (again,welding joint 420 may be seen towards a top of the terminal 407) whichconnects the battery terminal post 417 to the bushing 419. A thin film425 comprising a non-lead conductive material may be seen on an outsidesurface of the terminal 407. The film 425 in this embodiment may beapplied after welding. Therefore the bushing 419 may not have thecoating 425 below a surface of the cover 403.

FIG. 5B describes a method for producing the terminal of FIG. 5A. First,in step S451, a battery 101 is assembled with terminals 407 havingexposed lead. Next, in step S453, a battery 101 may be selected forterminal coating. This may occur where, for example, batteries 101 areto be sent to a particular market where coating is necessary. Finally,in step S455, the terminals 407 having exposed lead may be sprayed witha conductive coating. Various methods may be used to spray the terminals407 (i.e. positive terminal and negative terminal).

The terminals 407 may comprise a thermal sprayed surface (a surfacecoated using a thermal spraying technique such as, but not limited to,arc spraying). In particular, one or more of terminals 407 may comprisean arc-sprayed non-lead surface 425. In various embodiments, thearc-sprayed non-lead surface 425 may comprise zinc. While zinc isprovided, other suitable conductive materials may be contemplated aswithin the scope of this disclosure (for example, but not limited to,tin or other nontoxic metal). The arc-sprayed non-lead surface 425 maybe produced using an arc spray process. The arc-sprayed non-lead surface425 may have certain advantages, such as but not limited to, corrosionresistance (particularly on a positive terminal 407). Additionaladvantages may comprise an enhanced bond between the coating (such as,but not limited to, zinc) 425 and lead of the bushing 419 and post 417after welding. In various embodiments, the coating 425 may be relativelythin (for example, but not limited to, less than 1 mm or moreparticularly, approximately 0.5 mm). Coating or spraying to producenon-lead surface 425 after formation as part of the battery decorationprocess may allow for terminal protection to be applied only for adefined market. Coating/spraying to produce non-lead surface 425 afterbattery formation may reduce the possibility of degradation of thecoating during the aggressive formation and washing process.

In various embodiments, terminals (207, 307, 407) which lack exposedlead may additionally comprise using one or more of the following or beproduced by one or more additional coating techniques:

-   -   a. provide a spray coating of a suitable electrically-conducting        paint coating on the terminals after formation;    -   b. provide a metal powder coating on the burned (welded) post        and then melt with a plasma, laser, or other suitable process        after battery formation;    -   c. spray on or metal powder coat the terminal bushings with tin        or other suitable material prior to lid molding and powder        coating (or other suitable process) the terminal top with the        same metal after post welding;    -   d. tin coating the bushings before lid molding and tinning of        the top of the terminal as part of the post welding process;    -   e. spray coating of a suitable electrically conducting coating        (for example, paint, which may be comprised of a number of        conductive metals as described herein) on the terminals after        formation;    -   f. metal powder coating (which may be comprised of a number of        conductive materials as described herein) the burned post then        melting with a plasma (or laser) (or another suitable process)        after battery formation;    -   g. spray-on or metal powder coating the terminal bushings with        Tin (Sn) or another suitable metal prior to lid molding and        powder coating (or another suitable process) the terminal top        with the same metal after post welding;    -   h. tin coating the bushings before cover molding and tinning of        the top of the terminal as part of the post welding process;    -   i. molded battery covers with tin plated bushings, which after        welding leave a slight concave depression below the top of the        terminal;    -   j. mold battery covers with bushings tin plated on the outside        surface, with the bushings being designed with a counter bore in        which the inner diameter of the current bushing narrows and is        later fused to a cast-on strap (e.g. end strap) post (while a        counter bore is described, angles, curvature, or other geometric        feature may be contemplated as within the scope of this        disclosure), the bushing being welded to the post to below the        ID of the bushing post to leave a slight concave depression        below the top of the bushing and the concave depression in the        top of the terminal is filled with epoxy resin or other polymer        with suitable adhesion robustness.

Various embodiments may be understood as represented in the figures andmodifications thereon. Again, while tin is provided, other suitableconductive metal coatings (zinc, brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel,alloys thereof, etc.) should be contemplated as within the scope of thisdisclosure. It should also be understood the coating may affect theterminal width. Therefore, the outer diameter of the bushing and/orterminal may be adjusted to allow for thickness of conductive/metalcoating.

While a “coating” may be referred to herein, it should be understoodthat a method wherein the surface of a terminal is otherwise provided ina non-lead material (plating, dipping, etc.) should be contemplated aswithin the scope of this disclosure.

The disclosed embodiments may have a number of advantages, includingallowing for access to the battery terminals without exposing thetechnician, consumer, or other user to lead. In various embodiments, thedisclosed terminals may maintain all lead within the battery with noexternal exposure to lead. In addition, the disclosed terminals mayallow for advantages in the recycling process.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top”and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify variouselements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized thatthe orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending onthe application in which they are used.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joiningof two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining maybe stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may beachieved with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary bodywith one another or with the two members or the two members and anyadditional intermediate members being attached to one another. Suchjoining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable innature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples ofembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the artwho review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. byvariations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagementslots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process ormethod steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of thevarious examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit orscope of the present inventions.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examplesof embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications,variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether knownor that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to thosehaving at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples ofembodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to beillustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, theinvention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developedalternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantialequivalents.

The technical effects and technical problems in the specification areexemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodimentsdescribed in the specification may have other technical effects and cansolve other technical problems.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A lead acid battery comprising: a housinghaving an exterior; a lead terminal extending through the housing to theexterior of the housing; and a coating covering the lead terminal suchthat there is no exposed lead exterior to the housing, wherein thecoating is selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, brass,copper, stainless steel, nickel, and alloys thereof.
 2. The lead acidbattery of claim 1, wherein the coating includes an arc-sprayedconductive coating comprising zinc or tin.
 3. The lead acid battery ofclaim 1, wherein the lead terminal comprises a concave depression on atop surface thereof.
 4. A lead acid battery comprising: a housing havingan exterior; a lead terminal extending through the housing to theexterior of the housing, wherein the lead terminal comprises a concavedepression on a top surface thereof; and a coating covering the leadterminal such that there is no exposed lead exterior to the housing,wherein the coating comprises a conductive coating portion and anon-conductive coating portion, wherein the non-conductive coatingportion is provided in the concave depression.
 5. The lead acid batteryof claim 4, wherein the non-conductive coating portion includes acoating selected from the group consisting of epoxy resin and polymer.6. The lead acid battery of claim 4, wherein the non-conductive coatingportion is provided on a side of the lead terminal.
 7. The lead acidbattery of claim 1, wherein the lead terminal is a positive terminal,wherein the lead acid battery further comprises a negative terminal. 8.The lead acid battery of claim 7, wherein the positive terminal includesa first coating, and the negative terminal includes a second coating. 9.A lead acid battery comprising: a housing having an exterior; a lead,positive terminal extending through the housing to the exterior of thehousing; a first coating covering the lead terminal such that there isno exposed lead exterior to the housing; a negative terminal extendingthrough the housing to the exterior of the housing; and a second coatingcovering the negative terminal, wherein the first and second coatingsare different materials.
 10. The lead acid battery of claim 1, furthercomprising a battery element and a strap, wherein the battery element iscoupled to an end of the strap.
 11. The lead acid battery of claim 10,further comprising a post of the lead terminal, wherein the strap leadsto the post.
 12. The lead acid battery of claim 11, further comprising abushing provided within the housing, wherein the post of the leadterminal extends through the bushing.
 13. A lead acid batterycomprising: means for housing the lead acid battery; means forconducting energy extending through the means for housing, wherein themeans for conducting energy includes lead; and means for covering themeans for conducting energy such that no exposed lead is exterior to themeans for housing, wherein the means for covering is selected from thegroup consisting of tin, zinc, brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel,and alloys thereof.
 14. The lead acid battery of claim 13, wherein themeans for covering further includes a coating of the selected material.15. The lead acid battery of claim 14, further comprising: second meansfor conducting energy extending through the means for housing; andsecond means for covering the second means for conducting energy,wherein the second means for covering is of a second material differentfrom the selected material of the means for covering.
 16. The lead acidbattery of claim 4, wherein the coating is selected from the groupconsisting of tin, zinc, brass, copper, stainless steel, nickel, andalloys thereof.
 17. The lead acid battery of claim 9, wherein the firstcoating is selected from the group consisting of tin, zinc, brass,copper, stainless steel, nickel, and alloys thereof.